What Is My Research Strategy?

1. Identify the keywords in your specific research question. Also think of a few synonyms for these words. These are the terms you will use to search for information.

2. Decide what types of information you will need, such as:

  • Current information
  • Historical information
  • Biographical
  • Literary criticism
  • Statistics
  • Government information
  • Information on companies
  • Research reports
  • Opinions or viewpoints

3. Determine what types of sources you are likely to find this information in:

BOOKS

PERIODICAL ARTICLES

- Newspaper articles?
- Magazine articles? - These are written for the general public; usually a few pages long, different formats, non technical vocabulary, often include pictures, photographs, etc. Some examples of magazines are:

  • Newsweek
  • Sports Illustrated
  • Science News
  • Psychology Today

- Journal or scholarly articles? - These are written by professionals in a field, for other professionals, teachers, students, etc., use more technical vocabulary, usually long, mostly all text, often includes a list of references at end. If a research article, will follow set guidelines. Examples of journals are:

  • Journal of Marriage and the Family
  • Child Development
  • New England Journal of Medicine
  • Science

MEDIA

  • DVDs
  • Videos
  • Compact Discs

INTERNET SITES

©